First few trips with Scangauge II

[pumaman]

I got my Scangauge a few weeks ago but didn't have time to install it before I left on vacation.

As soon as I got back I quickly put it to good use by reading and resetting the "check engine" in my Daughter's car (which I own and pay expenses on). It ended up not being anything serious and I was able to get it to pass emissions inspection without spending any money on diagnostics or repair.

Finally a few days ago I set it up in my Mazda 6. It's in the middle of a tank, and I haven't tried to calibrate it yet, so I'm just watching to see what happens as conditions change and not counting on the numbers to be precise yet. Very interesting none the less.

I got to verify things I've read here, such as the amazing FE while gliding in neutral with the engine at idle, lower FE while warming up etc.

It appears that I get about 38 to 42 mpg on level stretches with cruise set at 59. It will drop about 5 or 6 mpg when I turn the A/C on.

I haven't noticed a big difference in drafting situations. When a truck comes by there is some fluctuation, but when I've tried to stay around them I don't see a big improvement. I'll keep working on that and see if I can find a safe "sweet spot" that is worth staying in.

Yesterday though, I saw the effect the wind can have, which surprised me a bit. There were storms blowing into the area, and I had a brisk tail-wind on the way to work. On the flat stretches, again at 59 mph, I was now getting 49 mpg and sometimes into the low 50s!
Later, going the other way, the winds weren't as strong, but I saw FE of about 36-38 mpg.
Very interesting. I can see why some people get interested in aero mods.

I should finally have some new tanks to add soon. I haven't missed any, it's just that I wasn't driving my cars for a week, and at home I split time between the two cars so it takes longer to get through a tank on either one. It does keep hard miles off the new car though, which is nice. So far it looks like the current tank in the 6 will be a little better than last time (going for 40) and the Legacy TBD. After I fill up I'll reset the Scangauge, calibrate, and have a better idea how it's going as I'm going, so to speak.

[mparrish]

Pumaman, have fun with your new toy. There's always at least one moment where SG show one the right way, even though you were SURE another way was more efficient.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Ooh! You are in for tons of fun with the SG!! I can't tell you how excited I was when I got my SGI and took it for its first drive in my Elantra...

Being able to actually SEE what effect your actions have right away is just incredible. Suddenly you have all the info you've been guessing at right at your fingertips -- awesome!

Enjoy and let us have segment updates when you start recording them.

[MnFocus]

You're really going to love the SGII - huh haven't heard that enough yet have ya ?
I'm starting to wonder *if* I even want to look at the FCD on windy days - kind of disheartening - but you will find ways to maximize the drive with it .Try about 10-12 car lengths back on the draft - the SG really shows a big bump there for me and the truckers don't seem to mind so much .

[pumaman]

Originally Posted by MnFocus

Try about 10-12 car lengths back on the draft - the SG really shows a big bump there for me and the truckers don't seem to mind so much .

Thanks. I'll give it a try on my way in to work today.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by MnFocus

Try about 10-12 car lengths back on the draft - the SG really shows a big bump there for me and the truckers don't seem to mind so much .

I'd like to try that too, I'd like to draft more, but am always worried about being so close to the trucks. Too bad I get so little freeway time.

Anyway, have fun with the SG! I've had mine for about a month now, it's a fun toy at the very least, and a great tool when used properly. The included code reader really ups the value quotient of it, too. My only problem is that I'm having trouble calibrating it properly, but even so, it shows you some important variances.

[qbn]

I would like to congratulate you on your purchase...I, too, have recently installed a SG2, and will htreadjack for a moment:

Got my unit in Friday afternoon. Went out after work, got it set up, topped off the tank, and drove hiome, utilizing my normal hypermiling strategies - purposefully not paying attention to the MPG display. After I was in my normal rhythm, I started to 'use' the display features and modified my driving to match that. It is noticeable the difference in your driving techniques! I have noticed that I setting the display to show RPM, MPH, MPG, and TPS%. Once I get to highway speeds (55-65), if I can keep the TPS% around 17-18%, I can bust out constant 55MPG @ 55MPH. I have yet to finish breaking in the car, so I am sure this will get better, but I have to say - what an investment! Now one bad spot - my unit came in with no backlight, but they are sending me another unit.

HTH